Summer 2023 is in full swing and for many folks, that means finding fun things for the family to do all summer long! At the Huron-Clinton Metroparks there is always more to see and more to do all year long in the 13 Metroparks with a full calendar of fun and educational events and programs.
Below is a select list of events happening at the Huron-Clinton Metroparks this month that will get your families outdoors, exploring, and having fun. Many events require preregistration, so if you see something you like, be sure to click through and register before spots fill up.
To see all of the events and programs at your favorite Huron-Clinton Metropark, check out the Metroparks’ park-specific calendars. If you’d like to see all events and programs at once, visit the full Metroparks Events Calendar.
July Events at Huron-Clinton Metroparks
Summer Day Camps | Multiple Dates + Locations
Summer camp is a great way for your child to get outdoors, experience something new, and make new friends. The Huron-Clinton Metroparks have a variety of exciting summer day camps to choose from including adventures in science, nature, art, and more. Find the park location and camp description here that sounds like the best fit for your child, and then click the button to register them before slots fill up!
Book Break at the Beach | Mondays | Lake St. Clair Metropark | 11 – 11:30 a.m.
Join us this summer for our Book Break Series in partnership with Harrison Township Library! There’s no better way to enjoy a story than in the park. A librarian will read a different story each date of the series, with a variety of stories and authors. Pack a picnic lunch and after the story you can enjoy the playground, beach, and other areas of the park!
Harness & Hitch | July 18, 25, 30 | Wolcott Mill Metropark | 11 a.m.-Noon
Watch our staff get our draft horses ready for action. Take pictures and ask questions in this behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to get the draft horses harnessed and hitched to the wagon. Learn what makes draft horses so special, and how we care for these amazing animals. Then climb aboard for a short wagon ride around the farm. This fun and relaxing adventure is great for the entire family.
Get the Scoop! | July 14, 15, 21, 28 | Wolcott Mill Metropark | 11 a.m.-Noon
July is National Ice Cream Month and we want you to celebrate with us at this fun, free event. Learn about the journey of milk once it leaves the farm to the making of one of the world’s oldest and most popular treats, ice cream! Learn how to make your own ice cream from scratch, adding flavors and a variety of ingredients. Listen to a story about ice cream and learn some interesting facts about the frozen treat.
National Ice Cream Day | July 15 | Hudson Mills Metropark | 1 – 2 p.m.
Let’s beat the heat and make some cool treats. Who doesn’t love ice cream on a summer day? July 16 is National Ice Cream Day and what better way to celebrate then making your own! During this program, you will learn the history of ice cream and create your own homemade ice cream.
Bird Feeding for Kids | July 15 | Oakwoods Metropark | 10–11:30 a.m.
There are so many fun birds to watch all year round, plus feeding backyard birds is enjoyable for all ages. Join us as we take a hike to see the birds that call the nature center home and talk about the different foods they like to eat. We will be making our own bird feeders from pinecones and peanut butter to take home!
Fireflies of July | July 15 | Kensington Metropark | 8:30–9:30 p.m.
Bring your flashlight and your sense of wonder as we discover the romance, the mystery, and the danger that comes with being a bioluminescent insect. We’ll nibble cookies and play an insect-inspired version of flashlight tag as we learn about these mid-summer light-makers. Then we’ll grab our nets and see if we can capture a few for close observation before we release them back into the night!
Eco-Play: The Art of Bugs | July 16 | Indian Springs Metropark | 1–3 p.m.
The risks and challenges of being outdoors provide rich opportunities for learning and problem-solving. Children are drawn to experiences that allow them to test the limits of their physical, intellectual, and emotional development. This program series will work on developing skills through outdoor play and adventure. Educational activities, crafting, and guided hikes will explore exciting ways to turn backyard fun into an eco-friendly adventure the whole family can enjoy.
Voyageur Canoe | July 21, 22, 28 | Stony Creek Metropark | Times Vary
Travel back in time 300 years to the days of the fur trade on our 34-foot Voyageur canoe. We will guide you through the life of a Voyageur as you paddle the great canoe along the lakeshore. Learn how trade affected our history, enjoy seeing wildlife, and get a little exercise during this evening program.
Morning Marsh Walk | July 22 | Lake Erie Metropark | 8–10 a.m.
Get a jump-start on your morning by taking a leisurely walk through the marshlands. We will be exploring the plants and animals that live in the marsh, as well as focusing on a little of the history of the land now known as Lake Erie Metropark.
Summer Wildlife Hike | July 22 | Lake St. Clair Metropark | 10:30 a.m.-Noon
Take the morning to explore the marsh now that summer is in full swing. Enjoy a guided hike along the nature trails discussing the reptiles, amphibians, and other wildlife that call the marsh home.
Flower Power Hike | July 23 | Lake Erie Metropark | Noon–2 p.m.
In so many ways, plants help power the world. Learn what all the buzz is about flowers as we examine summer blooms on this hike. We will be wandering our trails in search of some of the beautiful wonders that can be found at Lake Erie Metropark.
Creatures of the Evening | July 29 | Oakwoods Metropark | 7–9 p.m.
Ever wonder what animals are out and about at dusk? Join us on a twilight hike and learn all about deer, fireflies, coyotes, and other critters that love the sunset.
Stony Creek Art Fair | July 29-30 | Stony Creek Metropark | Times Vary
Come enjoy a beautiful art fair by the lake. This boutique, juried art fair will feature artists from across the country, showcasing amazing artwork in every price range. There will be live art demonstrations and hands-on activities. Food trucks will be on-site as well!
Butterfly Walk | July 30 | Indian Springs Metropark | 11 a.m.-Noon
Along with the flowers they pollinate, butterflies are some of the most colorful signs of summer here in Michigan. Join us to learn about these amazing insects and the incredible role they play as pollinators. Then we’ll journey through the prairie to search for the variety of native plants that make Indian Springs Metropark a great butterfly habitat, and we’ll hopefully see some of the butterflies themselves. You’ll be able to take home some seeds to grow a pollinator-friendly space in your own yard!
